I went on a cruise. Let me explain a little bit. My friends Kyla and Brenda and I decided that we were not going to stay in Alaska for Spring break, and so we booked a cruise. Since I have been back, there have been many requests and reminders for me to update this blog with pictures. I have not done so, mostly because I do not know where to start. Kyla was the documentor of the cruise (aka she was in charge of taking the pictures), and she took 1600 pictures. No that is not an extra zero. So I really did not know were to begin. After some good advice, I have reached a starting point. 10 days, 10 pictures. Please know that this has been VERY difficult to narrow down.
We landed in Orlando, and with our spare travel day, we went to Universal Studios. We had a lot of fun just messing around and exploring. My friends and I were all super excited to be on vacation somewhere warm.
On Sunday we got on our ship, the MS Ryndam. We spent Sunday exploring, and going to church and figuring out that we were the life of the cruise party. The average age on our ship...72. The cruise was still lots of fun.
On Monday, we were in Key West. There we had a great time walking around town, taking pictures, and taking a Kayaking adventure. It's a good thing the water was only 7-12 feet deep at the most and an average of 1-2 three feet usually. We kayaked in the Mangrove trees and I learned that I am not really good at making the kayak turn on my own. I did not (thankfully) tip, but I did run into the trees a number of times. Kyla and Brenda laughed each time it happened.
Tuesday we were on ship all day, so we thought we would participate in all the on-ship activities. That included line dancing with DJ Casey. We shared all the dances learned at the last singles ward dance. Everyone was impressed.
Wednesday, we woke up in Honduras. Awesome. We drove on a bus to Copan, which was a rare treat. The cruise ships do not ususally dock long enough to be able to see these ruins, but they were inredible. In the picture above, I am stanting in front of a statue depicting two dragons eating each other. I do not remember the symbolism we were told, but looking at the detail work alone was worth the trip.
Thursday, Guatemala. This was by far my favorite port, and I could see myself going back to explore this country in more depth. The ruins were awesome, and the surrounding countryside even more so. This port alone made the trip worth taking. So if you get the chance, head to Quirigua.
This is also in Guatemala. After the ruins, we took a small river tour and we saw this cool spanish fort. We did not get to explore, but like I said, next time...
Friday we were in our last port, Mexico. These ruins were the best preserved, and we could climb all over them. So we did. The guide in these ruins was the best, and we learned a lot about the relationship between the Maya people and the people from the Book of Mormon. Our tour guide was a member of the Church. These ruins were the easiest to access, and if I get the opportunity to return to mexico, it would be a place I would like to spend more time in.
Saturday, we packed to get off the ship. Instead of a sad picture of that, I included a picture of one of the temples at Chacchoben in Mexico. Sunday we disembarked the ship, went to church and headed back to Orlando and our flight home.
On Monday, we had enough time to go to SeaWorld before we had to be in the airport, so we did. It was fun, and an experience since Kyla and I had never been. Tuesday morning found us driving from the airport back home, with the knowlege that we had to be at work the next day. All in all, the trip was awesome. Are we planning another, yes. 12 months, 16 days....(just kidding, the exact dates have not been established yet.) If you would like to hear more about the curise, I suggest you come and visit me, and then you can read the book. Yes there is a book.
